Shipping cost on classifieds

[oldskool67]

Apparently it’s been a long time since I sold anything and had to ship it. I recently posted a pack frame for sale and stated I would pay shipping. Someone bought it and I went to ship it today. Let’s just say the shipping was 82.00 for a 100.00 pack. After PayPal fee I made off with a whopping 13.20. Anyway I’m not complaining since I offered without checking and the gentleman bought it in good faith. Also I’m glad someone will use it instead of sitting around my garage.

My question is for you guys that sell large / bulky items like packs on here regularly. How can you come to an agreement on shipping that works out equitable for both parties ? Even if we split shipping the gentleman would have been paying new retail price and I would be at 50 percent of asking price.

I got quotes from both UPS and USPS. Obviously if it was a 500.00 pack and not 100.00 I guess that would be different. Are the parcel services “COVID gouging “ or am I just out of touch ?

 

[Theringworm]

That’s reality these days. It’s not necessarily the weight that gets you but rather the dimensions. Always always get estimates before selling a large item. For stuff like that....local or face to face sales are the only way to go if you are trying to recoup your investment. Most wont pay shipping fees that high when it approaches MSRP of the original item. they can buy new and get free shipping.

 

[coloyooper]

UPS is brutal on bigger items.

 

[KChunter71]

That’s crazy

 

[Schism]

It pays to shop around. I sold a larger item recently and went to the UPS Store to ship and the price was astronomical. I then went to USPS and Priority shipping was approximately 1/3 the price of UPS. The item arrived on time and in great shape.

I've since gone to using shipping rate calculators before stating a price on items I'm selling with shipping included.

 

[RoJo]

I will not ship heavy/bulky items any more. I'll sell to someone I can deliver to or who is willing to come get. I learned my lesson when I sold a roof top tent in December to a guy who said he would pay shipping. Yeah, he arranged for shipping, and UPS came and picked it up eventually. But then they sent me the huge bill, and it was several more weeks before the guy came through and paid it. So for smaller items I sell, I just assume I am paying shipping and factor that into the price I agree to accept. For large items I will state in the ad that it needs to be close enough for me to deliver, or the buyer comes and picks it up in person, or we meet somewhere.

 

[Youngbuck86]

If it won't fit into a USPS flat rate box, it has got to be face to face. It is the only way I'll ship anything I sell any more.

 

[Billy Goat]

USPS for smaller items for sure. Ups for heavy bulky items. Helps if you know someone with a business shipping account. I was quoted $75 for a bow case 50"× 22"×11" and 75# thru UPS. VA to Co one way.

 

[Trevor73402]

UPS Store is the highest place to ship from. I refuse to use them anymore except for Amazon Prime returns. It’s absolutely ridiculous what they charge. I love the free Prime returns because I don’t have to even put it in a box. I walk in and throw it on the counter and once they scan the return code, they are responsible for it. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction to stick it to them......even though I’m really not.

 

[oldskool67]

It pays to shop around. I sold a larger item recently and went to the UPS Store to ship and the price was astronomical. I then went to USPS and Priority shipping was approximately 1/3 the price of UPS. The item arrived on time and in great shape.

I've since gone to using shipping rate calculators before stating a price on items I'm selling with shipping included.

Yeah I thought it was just UPS but it was the same at the post office. Definitely check ahead next time

 

[reaper]

Yeah,reality,always told the buyer I don't pay for shipping and I'll check for shipping on post office website and send a message to the buyer with the price.No bad surprise.

Envoyé de mon Pixel 4 XL en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[Tahoe1305]

FWIW I fedex’d a gun chassis in a box (size of full size gun maybe 36”x12”x4”) a few states over and it was surprisingly only $16. Weight was maybe 10lbs.

There are some websites you can put your info in and they will tell you what the best method is (Usps, fedex, ups).

 

[Ac338]

I just shipped an exo 5500 for around $50 with $500 insurance. Get the absolute smallest box possible. My first box was $86 so I got a 5" smaller one and it dropped to $50. Usps was $80 even with the smaller box.

 

[87TT]

It pays to shop around. I sold a larger item recently and went to the UPS Store to ship and the price was astronomical. I then went to USPS and Priority shipping was approximately 1/3 the price of UPS. The item arrived on time and in great shape.

I've since gone to using shipping rate calculators before stating a price on items I'm selling with shipping included.

Be careful with USPS and calculators. They don't always get it right and the Post office doesn't always catch it. I bought a pack and when it arrived there was postage due of $48 on top of what the seller had paid making the cost $67. There is a surcharge for oversize items and they don't always catch it.

 

[Felix40]

Here’s a pretty good secret. Use pirate ship to print your shipping labels at home. I guarantee it will save you money. I recently shipped a reloading press that weighed 18 pounds for $9. You don’t get the best rate when you bring your package to the store to pay postage.

Feel free to send me a portion of your savings.

 

[big44a4]

I have shipped multiple bows (one at a time), one being a 40” ATA target bow, and USPS was always the cheapest. FEDEX $100, UPS $45, and USPS $28.

Shop around.

 

[ewade07]

UPS is brutal on bigger items.

100% agree. I went to ship a pack through UPS and they said it was going to be 60 some dollars, went to USPS and they shipped it for 25.

 

[lak2004]

If you're going into a UPS store, you are guaranteed to get raked over the coals. Print it from home and save quite a bit.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[MThuntr]

I've actually slowed my forum sales except for random things I might be able to trade and went back to eBay. They have agreements with shipping companies that cuts shipping costs down by at least 1/3. For some reason they aren't charging me selling fees right now too.

 

[Brendan]

Sounds like you overpaid. I've shipped an 80# transmission for a race car for less than that and I don't have any business account or special hookups.

Some hints: Smallest box possible. Check USPS, UPS, and FedEx. You can find discounts for UPS, haven't tried for FedEx. Never just walk into a UPS store, FedEx, Post Office - box it, measure it, weigh it, and purchase your label at home.